The NSW Government provides a range of training programs on emergency management, with face-to-face programs facilitated by the NSW Police Force's Regional Emergency Management Officers (REMOs). Emergency Management Training.
The State Emergency and Rescue Management (SERM) Act 1989 (NSW) is the legislation that governs Emergency and Rescue Management in NSW.
The State Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN) stipulates the NSW Government approach to Emergencies in NSW.
Emergency in this context is an actual or imminent occurrence which endangers or threatens to endanger the safety or health of persons or animals or destroys or damages (or threatens to destroy or damage) property (including the environment) or causes a failure of or significant disruption to an essential service or infrastructure, being an emergency, which requires a significant and co-ordinated response. (Section 4, SERM Act 1989)
There are several Supporting Plans, which describe how an agency or functional area delivers support, and Sub Plans, which describe how the NSW Government manage a specific hazard or event type.
In emergency management, “Local” covers a local government area and “Region” covers an emergency management region as defined in the EMPLAN.
There are Local (copies available through the Local Government) and Regional Emergency Management Plans, which describe how emergencies are managed at each level.
The State Rescue Policy describes how the NSW Government maintains effective and efficient rescue services. Rescues in NSW are generally coordinated by the NSW Police Force. The NSW Police Force maintains multiple rescue units accredited with the State Rescue Board. The State Rescue Board (SRB) ensures the maintenance of effective and efficient rescue services across NSW and maintains a register of Accredited Rescue Units.
There are State, Region and Local Emergency Management Committees (SEMC, REMC & LEMC). There is also a State Rescue Board (SRB), and Regional and Local Rescue Committees (RRC & LRC). These boards and committees are made up of members from various organisations, and regularly convene to oversee rescue and emergency management in their areas.
Rescue and emergency management plans and policies can be accessed on the NSW Government Website.